The Lord Stirling Stable equestrian trail system is open to horse owners who wish to ride. Trails are open to horse owners daily between 9AM and dusk. Riders must have a daily or annual trail permit. Please call the office before arriving to confirm trail availability. Thank you.

General information
Lord Stirling Stable (LSS) offers a full complement of riding activities for riders of most ages and abilities. The Stable is located at 256 South Maple Avenue in Basking Ridge, and the office is open daily from 8am to 4pm or may be reached by calling 908 766-5955. All riders are required to wear an ASTM/SEI approved equestrian helmet and shoes or boots with hard, smooth soles and a moderate and definite heel. Helmets and boots may be rented for $4 each. Somerset County residents are required to show some proof of residency. All riders must be at least 9 years of age and activity-based weight limits apply to riding programs. For additional information, please visit our website at www.somersetcountyparks.org.

Lead Line
Lead Line is the perfect way to introduce children to riding. Parents or legal guardians may rent a pony or small, gentle horse for a half hour and lead their child(ren) around the outdoor pony ring or the covered Pony Pavilion A stableworker will demonstrate the proper and simple technique for leading the pony/horse. Children must be old enough to sit up and hold onto the saddle without assistance. An approved equestrian helmet is required and small sizes are available for use at no additional cost. Lead Line is available daily; please call for hours. The fee is $11 for Somerset County residents and $13 for out-of-county residents on weekdays; and $12 and $14, respectively, on weekends. Books of ten rides and gift certificates are available.

Pony Parties
An unforgettable way to celebrate a birthday or other special occasion is unbelievably simple with a Lord Stirling Stable Pony Party! Our two-hour package includes the use of two ponies for the first 45 minutes, plus a staff member to provide, supervise, and remove the ponies at the appropriate times. Adults from the party lead the ponies. Guests spend the remaining time in the climate-controlled party room, where three tables and 30 chairs are provided for your use. The birthday child receives a special pony party sash and a stuffed pony. The fee is $175 for Somerset County residents and $250 for out-of-county residents. After the first 12 children, a per-person fee applies to additional guests. Horseshoes and other children's games are available to rent for $10 each. Call or stop by the stable at least two weeks prior to the desired date to make your reservation! Pony Parties are available seven days a week. There is a maximum of 30 people (adults and children combined) allowed in the party room.

Group Trail Rides and Hayrides
Lord Stirling Stable has unique program options available for group activities. Youth groups, businesses, clubs, and other organizations can design a team-building exercise with a difference. Families and friends may want to try something out of the ordinary, just for fun. Experience some of the 16 miles of beautiful equestrian-use trails from the back of a horse or from our tractor-pulled hay wagon. No 'horse experience' is required!

Group rides for adults and youth (ages 12 and older, and ages 9-11 when accompanied by a parent/guardian) include a brief lesson with a certified instructor who will then guide your one-hour trail ride. Guided rides are available on Sundays and weekday afternoons. The flat rate for 10 riders or fewer is $380 ($350 for youth under the age of 18.)Tractor-pulled hayrides are an excellent option for those who would love a trail experience but are not sure about riding a horse. They are also an option if your group is very large (up to 30 people) or if there is a broad age range to accommodate. A flat rate of $100 covers up to 10 people; additional participants may attend for $10 each. Hayrides may be arranged for Saturday and Sunday afternoons; a limited number of Friday and Saturday evening hayrides are also available. Add a 30-minute campfire for an additional fee; please call the office for details.

By horse or by wagon, the trails of Lord Stirling Stable are definitely worth a visit. Call today to
reserve the date for your group's special trail experience!

Troop Horse Program
Scouts ages 9 and older will learn skills to help them earn horse-related badges, where available, or just have fun learning about horses. Topics include safety in the barn and around horses; an introduction to breeds, colors, and parts of the horse; and the important roles of the veterinarian, the farrier, and the equine dentist. Each scout will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience learning to groom a horse. The fee for this program is $12 per scout for troops in Somerset County and $15 per scout for out-of-county troops. Add a hayride for an additional fee. Minimum group size is 6 with a maximum of 12 participants. Leaders and chaperones attend free of charge. For more information and to reserve a time, contact the Stable at 908 766-5955.

Spring Group Riding Lessons
English Saddle Balanced Seat riding lessons are offered from beginner through advanced levels for youth and adults. Trail, jumping, and various specialized flat classes are also available. Classes are scheduled one hour a week for 10 consecutive weeks. Adults have the option of a five week session. Students may register online or in person at the Stable office. Please refer to the online program registration section for details.

Registration opens on Saturday, March 10, with lessons beginning Monday, March 26 and continuing through June 4.

The schedule of classes will be available two weeks prior to the opening day of registration. Youth must be a minimum age of 9 at time of registration. Riders must weigh under 225 pounds for flat classes and under 200 pounds for jumping classes. Prospective students with riding experience need to be evaluated for a classification card prior to the registration date; a $12 fee applies. Please call the stable office for more information. Lesson fees for one hour classes are:

Somerset County Residents

Out of County

10-week class

$375

$525

Students who do not reside in Somerset County may purchase an annual Non-County I.D. Card for $170.00. This entitles each individual card holder to a discounted rate on riding lessons. Savings multiply with each class registration. Please call the Stable office for more information.

Horse Care Workshops
Horse Care workshops offer the opportunity to gain experience and confidence around horses. Each program builds upon the one before it to logically expand students' knowledge in a safe, enjoyable environment. In Horse Care Workshop 101, participants learn the proper way to safely handle, groom, and tack a horse. The parts of the horse, saddle, and bridle are discussed in addition to horse breeds, colors, and basic horse care. Horse Care Workshop 102 introduces students to more advanced topics such as nutrition, clipping, bandaging, and basic conformation, and the important role the farrier and veterinarian play in a horse's life. Horse Care Workshop 103 further develops care and management skills while increasing knowledge of equine behavior. The Workshops are open to participants ages 9 and older, and are offered on five consecutive Saturdays. Winter Horse Care Workshop 101 is scheduled for January 6 – February 3 from 1pm-3pm. Winter Horse Care Workshops 102 and 103 take place February 10 – March 10, with section 102 meeting from 10am–noon and 103 from 1pm-3pm. Students may participate in Workshops 102 and 103 concurrently. The cost is $60 for Somerset County residents and $90 for non-residents. Registrations will be
accepted until the first day of class, space permitting. This program does not include riding.

Horse Rentals
Riders who can post the trot and are secure and comfortable at the canter may rent horses for a one hour ride in our large indoor ring, two outdoor rings, or 16 miles of well-maintained trails. Riders must be at least 9 years old (12 years old for trail riding) and weigh less than 225 pounds. Trail guides are available on Sundays. Please call for times.

Hours for hacking vary and may be cancelled due to extreme weather conditions. Please call the Stable office at 908 766-5955 ext. 32 for daily information. Riders choose horses on a first come, first served basis. Hourly hacking fees are as follows:

Weekdays -

Somerset County residents

$23.00

Out-of-County residents

$30.50

Weekends -

Somerset County residents

$26.00

Out-of-County residents

$34.50

Ten ride hack books

Somerset County Residents

$218.50

Out-of-County residents

$289.75

Spring Private and Semi-Private Riding Lessons
A limited number of private and semi-private one hour lesson sessions with instructors from Lord Stirling Stable are available. The fees per class are:

Somerset County Residents

Out of County

Private lesson

$70

$75

Semi-private (2 riders)

$110

$120

Private Horses
For an annual fee, people who have their own horses may enjoy the trails or outdoor rings, weather and ground conditions permitting. The fee for a Trail Permit is $20 per horse per calendar year for Somerset County residents and $30 for non-residents. Single day passes are also available for a fee of $10 for Somerset County residents and $15 for non-residents. The spacious indoor ring may also be used for $15 per hour. A current negative Coggins (within twelve months) is required.

Room Rental
Lord Stirling Stable has a large room overlooking the indoor riding arena available for rental. Amenities include bleachers, tables, and chairs. Audio/visual equipment and limited kitchen facilities are also available. Please call the Stable at 908 722-1200 ext. 5522 for prices and availability.

The Friends of Lord Stirling Stable (FLSS) is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports the equestrian activities of the Somerset County Park Commission Lord Stirling Stable. By contributing their ideas, volunteering their time, and donating revenue generated from sponsoring events, the Friends help provide a continuous and expanding program of activities. Additional information about the Friends and these events is available on the internet at www.flss.org. Registration for FLSS events is not currently available online.

Dog Walks
Dog walks along the equestrian trails are led on Saturdays. The traditional New Year's Day "Meet New Friends" Dog Walk will be held on Monday, January 1, 2018 at 1:30pm. Regular Saturday dog walks begin at 10:30am, except May 26 through August 25 when the walks will begin at 9:30am. The cost is $3 per dog.

Clinics
Horseback riding clinics are offered throughout the year. Please visit www.flss.org for more information.

Dressage Show
This is a great opportunity for the experienced or green horse and rider to perform a Dressage Test in a fun, no-pressure environment. Eleven divisions will be separated into two sections – one includes those riders with privately owned horses and the other includes Lord Stirling Stable students on school horses. Divisions include USDF Intro Level, Test 1 (walk/trot), Training Level Tests 1 through 4, First Level Tests 1 through 4, and two "Test of Choice" divisions. Quadrille, freestyle, and musical kur entries are also welcome. The Dressage Show is scheduled for March 11, 2018. Please visit www.flss.org for further information.

Spring Nature Ride
This leisurely horseback ride at a walk along the trails is set for April 15 with check-in time at 8am. The hour long ride is 8:30am – 9:30am. This ride provides individuals with little or no English saddle riding experience the opportunity to enjoy the trails and nature from the back of a horse. The fee is $35 for Friends of Lord Stirling Stable members and school riders; $40 for Somerset County residents; and $50 for out-of-county residents. Pre-registration is required; please see the Friends' website for more information and forms.

Private Horse Hunter Pace
The Annual Spring Private Horse Hunter Pace will be held at Lord Stirling Stable on Sunday, April 22, 2018. Teams of two or three competitors will ride a well-marked course approximately 6 - 8 miles in length designed for those horses still being brought back into condition after their winter break. Thirty to 40 fences vary in height up to three feet. All jumps have ample room to go around for riders who prefer to stay on the flat, making the course very friendly to green horses. Western riders are encouraged to participate.

The event includes five divisions: Open, Senior, Junior, Hilltopper, and Family. Ribbons are awarded to the six teams in each division that finish the course closest to the "ideal time" set by the Pace Team. Participants may register between 9am - 1pm. All riders must wear an ASTM/SEI approved equestrian helmet. There is ample parking for trailers. This event is co-sponsored by the Somerset County Park Commission and the Friends of Lord Stirling Stable.